Recognising the importance of health care amongst disadvantaged populations, A&K Philanthropy (AKP) has announced the construction of a maternity ward adjoining its already established health clinic in Nakatindi Village, Zambia.

AKP’s commitment to healthcare in the region has included a successful HIV awareness campaign, provision of vital medical supplies, sustainable transportation for care givers and now the maternity ward that will transform maternal health within the community and surrounding area.

Zambia is amongst the top 25 countries in the world with the highest numbers of pregnant women living with HIV. Only 19% of women will report to a health facility for antenatal care within their first trimester. This has a huge impact on early diagnosis of HIV within a pregnancy and has a knock on effect to high transmission rates of HIV from mother-to-child. Currently less than 47% of women are delivering at a health facility, with a skilled health worker present – this creates immense challenges in providing pregnant mothers with a complete treatment to prevent transmission. Finally, just 39% of women receive a post-natal check up from a health professional.

At each stage there are many missed opportunities for identifying HIV status, assessing treatment eligibility and providing continued monitoring and support. The new maternity ward will build capacity for a larger antenatal care programme, early diagnosis and treatment of HIV for both mothers and their partners and ongoing support and monitoring post-delivery. It will also be able to cater for increased capacity during daily family planning and weekly under-5s sessions where growth is monitored and vaccines administered.

A&K guests visiting the Victoria Falls area are encouraged to visit the clinic, which has become the beating heart of the village and meet the staff who work there and provide life-saving healthcare.

Abercrombie & Kent makes a donation to AKP on behalf of every guest travelling in support of such grassroots efforts.